Always a Buckeye fan!!

The title says it all as the Fiesta Bowl has concluded and I have experienced heartache once more for the third year in a row. I'm not sure I have been at a game that was so exciting yet so disappointing all rolled up into one. Walking back to the car knowing that we could have won the game and going through all the different things that happened during the game that should have been changed...well, it was a long walk back.

Walking back though, I was reminded why I absolutely love the Buckeyes!! As obnoxious Texas fans in cowboy boots and tight wranglers walked past gloating as if hey had just won the Super Bowl just made me smile (and laugh-as I'm not a fan of the tight pants let alone Wranglers). Through the laughter, many Buckeye fans continued the spirit that will always be there no matter how much respect OSU continues to lose being a part of the Big Ten or how there's a constant cloud of others chanting how the Buckeyes are "overrated." Shouting "O-H" with a quick return of "I-O" just reminded me that I'm so excited to be a fan...no matter how much disappointment I have experienced in the last few years. There's a class and comradery among many of the fans that I love! I was again reminded of that as we drove home :)

Ok, so some may say that sounds cheesy and perhaps it is. But, Ohio State has been a part of my family since the day I was born and it is the game, the team, the University that brings the family together. It's more than just OSU it's a connection that brings us together and I was reminded of that this weekend. A couple of my cousins flew/drove out for the game and we all just had a day to spend with each other. As all of us are in different states it's not always easy to get together.

Ohio State is a HUGE part of my memory growing up and it truly warms my heart when I look back on the years. As we all grow older I cling onto that tighter than ever before. It's hard to explain but needless to say...it's frustrating when they lose. But at the same time, it's so great when they play because the family comes together and will continue to do so throughout the generations.

Anyways, here are some pictures of the weekend. My cousing Keith flew in from Denver and spent a couple days with us at my brother and sister-in-law's house. We did all the "before the game" events like the Fiesta Bowl parade (which was awesome)! As with the Rose Bowl, the two opponents in the Bowl game have the bands come out and play in the parade. I had no idea it would be so much fun as the band did an amazing job and we literally had Brutus (the mascot) come up to us and give the kids high fives. The bummer part is I didn't have my camera!!!!!! Not a big deal but it's typical to have a LONG line waiting just to take a picture with Brutus and he came right up to us!

After the game we went to the "Buckeye Bash" where the coach, team, band, president of the university, and of course Archie Griffin come out and talk about the game. It was a great day, but wet and cold as it was raining a little.

My other cousin came out with his girlfriend from Las Vegas and we all piled into the Suburban and drove down EARLY to the game to tailgate and hangout. It really was just a great time! We almost got on TV :) (there's a whole other story about that). But some of us did get in the Columbus Dispatch and possibly a local AZ newspaper. What was also great about this game is we all got to sit together which is very difficult in the past. You typically can't get that many seats together but somehow my Grandpa did. Thanks Gramps! It was a great Christmas gift...just next time, they NEED to win!

My nieces and nephews; Kristine, Todd, and Chad

The "Buckey Bash"

My cousin Keith and Chad

Look familiar? They'll show him in the crowd ALOT during a game

The team running in before kick off

Before the game

My brother and sister-in-law

We had great seats!

This was actually before the game

Buckeye Man and Big Nut (yep, that's his nickname)

Tailgating

A local reporter. She actually had us stay there as we had the best tailgate set-up according to her. She didn't have a long enough segment as she had originally thought so she didn't film us. But, she was RIGHT next door :)

Bump in the night

Ok, so I'm trying to get more creative with my titles.

Last night, I was visiting with my friends in Redlands who I haven't seen in forever. I drive all the way there with traffic and back and get in an accident just 2 blocks from my house. It was about 12:30 in the morning. I was sitting on Imperial getting ready to turn onto Orangethorpe. The light turned green and I began to pull out but couldn't see the ridiculously fast car coming from the west because of the massive construction they are doing there. Needless to say, I gunned it causing him to hit the back of my car versus T-boning me. He hit me hard causing me to do a 180. I just sat there knowing of course he was going to stop. As I looked in my mirror he was halfway down the street already. I'm fairly confident to say that he didn't even brake which leads me to believe that he was very drunk. All things considering, with as fast as he was going, I was very lucky. God was definitely looking out for me!!

As I gunned it I turned a little which allowed him to only clip the back side of my car. A witness saw it and told the police officer that was down the road pulling another car over. But because the driver was going so fast he didn't get the license plate either. So the jerk gets away and I have to deal with getting the car fixed as it's not safe to drive - the left rear tire is bent. Half of my hub cap is gone and I have his paint on my car. The trunk popped open and the police officers couldn't get it closed. Jeff got it to close and you can see that the back end is bent and off. But, besides being sore, I'm very lucky!! So if you see a (what I think was a BMW), dark colored, with a mashed front end with shades of white on his car...get his license plate number :)

Classic Christmas

Vineyard Christian School had their Christmas party last Friday and I had no idea what to expect. Jeff and I walked in and saw this! A parent within our school owns "Perfection Painting" and THIS as his hobby. They opened it up for the first time to the teachers and what a great time!! He travels around for his job and finds amazing things...not to mention amazing cars!! It's not open to the public so it was a privilege to be in there and look at his collection. I'm not even sure the pictures do justice but I've posted a few. He owns cars that are so rare it's unbelievable!!

This picture was jut one of the three huge rooms filled with cars!

There were only 49 Tuckers made, including the prototype made ever...and he has 2 of them! This gold one is in original condition with minimal flaws...and he drives it to church! The green one is fully restored.

I just thought this one was fun.

He had 5 vintage complete gas stations fully stocked with supplies. He has bought these all over the US. This was a diner that he had with original supplies.

Along with the cars, he had one tank and one army truck. What was awesome is that he would have original articles/magazines about that particular war on the seats.

Along with all the cars he had tons of vintage signs along the walls. This one was my favorite! This Lincoln sign was about 60 ft. long.

Along with all this he had an additional small room that was called the "General Store." This newspaper article struck me. As soon as you walk in you see this and it caught my eye. You'll notice that this newspaper is from the Daily Pilot-Costa Mesa. It was cool to see this from Costa Mesa.

At a glance...

So, I had a wonderful birthday!! To top it all off Jeff took me to a really good restaurant in Laguna Niguel called Salt Creek Grill. Definitely recommend it!

We were seated in a booth that faces other tables which is always interesting for me. I kind of feel like I'm on display when I'm seated in those. As we were sitting there talking and enjoying each other, we noticed there was an older couple that kept glancing at us every now and then. The husband stared for awhile when we first sat down and I didn't think anything of it until the lady actually had to turn her head back to look at both of us. As the night went on we noticed that the glancing continued so we thought...let's count how many times the lady looks back at us...so we did.

So from the moment we counted from the time they got up and left, we counted...44 times!! 44 TIMES!! What's that about?!?!?! That doesn't include the times before we started counting and the husband staring at me every now and then. Seriously, who does that?!?! We couldn't figure out why she felt the need to look over her shoulder...look at me...then look at Jeff...and then back. We got a little taste of what it might feel like for Hollywood stars. So, great restaurant, great atmosphere...annoying guests!!

My little ones

We just got back from Arizona and I get sad every time I leave. I LOVE hanging out with my family. I miss them a lot and wish we lived closer. Anyways, they celebrated my birthday out there and we had a little fun with the camera.

I'M 30!!!!!

Wow, where do I start?! Well, I'm 30 today and I can't believe it!! As I sit here with Jeff (playing with my Wii - a gift from the hubby) I have to pause and get all sentimental.

I'm truly not one to get mushy by any means but I was just thinking lately of how truly blessed I am. Since I didn't go through all the things I'm thankful for during Thanksgiving, I'll do it now.

30 Things I'm Thankful For...some of these should be in different order of course, but nonetheless, I'm still thankful for all of them.

1. First and foremost, I'm thankful for a God who loves me know matter what I do! He is my ultimate example of what it means to love unconditionally. He is my everything!

2. Of course, my hubby! I am so blessed to have met him and it is so amazing to know and be loved by someone who is incredibly patient, thoughtful, funny, loving and humble.

3. My mom who has given up so incredibly much so her kids can succeed! She is the true meaning of sacrifice. Even though I grew up without my father in my life; she was able to come along side me and fill so many shoes for me. I am forever grateful for my mommy :)

4. I truly believe I have the greatest grandparents in the world!! Along with my Heavenly Father, they have also filled that void in my life. They have played so many roles and have done it perfectly!

5. My brother! Even though we don't talk much, I love who he is. His love for God is so evident and he is SO smart!

6. Barby, who is so fun to be around! A sister-in-law who has taught me alot! I can always go to her with a problem and she always knew just what to say.

7. Kristine, Todd, and Chad - my nieces and nephews who bring such a joy in my life. Watching them grow and mature is hard as I will always see them as my little ones. They are truly a gift from God and I love them so much!! Couldn't be a prouder Aunt!

8. My cousins, who even though we grew up in separate parts of the country, always enjoy getting together and hanging out. We're not super close but close nonetheless. I absolutely LOVE hanging out with them and talking about old times.

9. My aunts and uncles. My aunts have also played a significant role in taking care of me and I'm forever grateful!

10. Jeff's family - they bring a lot of joy and creativity to my life. As Kristy once said that; we would totally have it made if we were all stuck on a deserted island.

11. Ohio State of course; that goes without saying!! It's more than just a team, it's a small connection to the family. It is safe to say that we all know what each of us are doing on game day.

12. Diet Coke...enough said

13. Teaching! I am so incredibly blessed to be a teacher!! The fact that I can play a small role in the students' lives is so awesome and I love every minute of it! Although, it is such a demanding and time consuming job :)

14. My new Wii

15. JoAnnes - I'm not sure what I would do without that store!

16. Chipotle - So bad for the diet yet SOOOO good!!

17. The fact that I live in America and can express my own opinion! This is such an amazing country founded on sound principals. I have always been patriotic and will continue to be. The day I stop getting teary eyed during patriotic songs on the 4th of July will be a sad day :(

18. Although annoying, I do love our cats!

19. I am thankful for the gift of mercy that God has given me. Although having a big heart can be annoying at times; it is the gift that allows me to see (even just a little bit) through God's eyes.

20. 80's music!! Such good music; why did it have to change? :)

21. My closet; after all where would I put all my shoes and clothes?!

22. Teacher stores! I could spend hours in there.

23. My friends of course! They really should be more at the top of the list but nonetheless I am super grateful for all of them!!

24. For Birthdays! It's such a reminder of God's provision and love!

25. Target - Big fan! Again, I could spend hours in there!

26. For good health. I don't think I stop enough to thank Him for how he keeps me healthy and provides for me when I'm not.

27. For prayer! The fact that we can go before God almighty, who created the heavens and the earth and literally holds everything in the palm of His hand is so awesome! Something most of us take for granted, I think.

28. Chewy Sweet Tarts! SOOOO yummy!

29. 50% off deals after Christmas. I'm always in for a good deal!

30. Blogs! Such a great, creative way to keep friends and family in touch.

California on Fire!

Tis the season for fires in California. It did come late this year as many of the fires typically occur in October. But with record temperatures combined with the Santa Ana winds...well you get this...

You can's see it very well but this was the other fire in Brea

Yep, we were breathing that!
All these pictures were taken at 1:15 in the afternoon.